(Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) ADHD is a problem with inattentiveness, over-activity, impulsivity, or a combination. This disorder falls under the category of learning disabilities.
Symptoms include:
-difficulty paying attention to details -easily distracted -inability to stay on task -procrastination -forgetfulness of in daily activities -frequent shifts in conversation -fidgeting and squirming when seated -getting up frequently to walk or run around -restlessness -often talking excessively -having difficulty playing or engaging in quiet activities
Causes:
Genes Children with ADHD carry a particular version of a certain gene, resulting in thinner brain tissue in the areas of the brain associated with attention. About 15-40% of children with ADHD have a parent with the condition. Environmental Factors There is a potential link between smoking and drinking during pregnancy and children with ADHD. Young children exposed to high levels of lead have a higher risk of developing ADHD. Brain Injuries Only a small number of those with ADHD have suffered a traumatic brain injury, though. Sugar Some believe that consuming refined sugar causes ADHD or intensifies symptoms. Food Additives There is a possible link between the consumption of artificial colors and preservatives and an increase in activity. *Research shows that ADHD is the result of an imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain.
General Public Perception of the Disorder:
-ADHD is not a real medical disorder. -Accommodations made for children with ADHD give the children unfair advantages. -Children with ADHD eventually outgrow their condition. -Boys are the only ones affected by ADHD. -ADHD is a result of bad parenting. -Children who take ADHD medication are more likely to abuse drugs as teenagers. -People who have ADHD are stupid and lazy, which means they'll amount to nothing.
The Truth:
-ADHD IS a real medical condition. -Children who are given accommodations because of their ADHD are NOT given an unfair advantage. Things are just being presented to them in different ways. -More than 50% of children with ADHD continue to have it as adults. -Boys AND girls are affected by ADHD. -ADHD is a medical disorder. It does NOT result from bad parenting. -Children who take ADHD medication are just as likely to abuse drugs as teenagers and "normal" children. - Though some adults have the inability to hold steady jobs, this does not mean that people with ADHD are stupid and lazy.
Treatment:
-Treatment involves medication or therapy, or a combination. -Stimulants are the medications used to treat ADHD. -The main drugs prescribed are: amphetamine, dextroamphetamine, and methyphindate. -Medication does not cure ADHD, but they alleviate the symptoms.
ADHD
(Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)ADHD is a problem with inattentiveness, over-activity, impulsivity, or a combination. This disorder falls under the category of learning disabilities.
Symptoms include:
-difficulty paying attention to details
-easily distracted
-inability to stay on task
-procrastination
-forgetfulness of in daily activities
-frequent shifts in conversation
-fidgeting and squirming when seated
-getting up frequently to walk or run around
-restlessness
-often talking excessively
-having difficulty playing or engaging in quiet activities
Causes:
Genes
Children with ADHD carry a particular version of a certain gene, resulting in thinner brain tissue in the areas of the brain associated with attention. About 15-40% of children with ADHD have a parent with the condition.
Environmental Factors
There is a potential link between smoking and drinking during pregnancy and children with ADHD. Young children exposed to high levels of lead have a higher risk of developing ADHD.
Brain Injuries
Only a small number of those with ADHD have suffered a traumatic brain injury, though.
Sugar
Some believe that consuming refined sugar causes ADHD or intensifies symptoms.
Food Additives
There is a possible link between the consumption of artificial colors and preservatives and an increase in activity.
*Research shows that ADHD is the result of an imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain.
General Public Perception of the Disorder:
-ADHD is not a real medical disorder.
-Accommodations made for children with ADHD give the children unfair advantages.
-Children with ADHD eventually outgrow their condition.
-Boys are the only ones affected by ADHD.
-ADHD is a result of bad parenting.
-Children who take ADHD medication are more likely to abuse drugs as teenagers.
-People who have ADHD are stupid and lazy, which means they'll amount to nothing.
The Truth:
-ADHD IS a real medical condition.
-Children who are given accommodations because of their ADHD are NOT given an unfair advantage. Things are just being presented to them in different ways.
-More than 50% of children with ADHD continue to have it as adults.
-Boys AND girls are affected by ADHD.
-ADHD is a medical disorder. It does NOT result from bad parenting.
-Children who take ADHD medication are just as likely to abuse drugs as teenagers and "normal" children.
- Though some adults have the inability to hold steady jobs, this does not mean that people with ADHD are stupid and lazy.
Treatment:
-Treatment involves medication or therapy, or a combination.
-Stimulants are the medications used to treat ADHD.
-The main drugs prescribed are: amphetamine, dextroamphetamine, and methyphindate.
-Medication does not cure ADHD, but they alleviate the symptoms.
Related Disorders:
-Learning disabilities-Tourette Syndrome-Oppositional Defiant Disorder-Anxiety Disorder-Depression-Conduct Disorder-Bipolar Disorder
Sources:
www.webmed.com/add-adhd/guide/adhd-symptoms
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder/what-causes-adhd.shtml
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/consortium-of-adhd-organizations-join-forces-for-adhd-awareness-week-september-13-17-102466924.html
http://www.healia.com/healthguide/guides/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/what-treatments-are-available-for-adhd
http://psychcentral.com/lib/2007/problems-related-to-adhd/
Moragne, Wendy. Attention Deficit Disorder. Brookfield, CT: Millbrook, 1996. Print.
Brooke FisherSammi Hummer